Defining Ammunition

Modern ammunition varies depending on the type of firearm. Rifles and handguns use a cartridge containing a single projectile (bullet). Shotguns use a shotshell containing either a single slug or a large number of small projectiles (shot or pellets). However, the basic components of cartridges and shotshells are similar.

Glossary

cartridge

Ammunition used in modern rifles and handguns; a case containing primer, gunpowder, and a bullet

shotshell

Ammunition used in modern shotguns; a case containing primer, gunpowder, wad, and a slug or shot